The former vice-captain of the Wesley side had also been a talented cricketer and runner. He played with the Old Collegians before being recruited to the Demons late in 1940.

The next season Ellis played the first two games of the year on the half-back flank before enlisting in the army. He had been promoted to Sergeant in the 106 Anti Tank Regiment shortly before his death.

Ellis was killed on 6 July, 1942 when he was accidentally shot by a fellow soldier who was examining his rifle in the mess room. He was three days short of his 21st birthday.